Final answer:
Critical race theory's understanding of race as a social construct and analysis of systemic racism appears to be the most relevant classical theoretical explanation for contemporary realities. Howard Winant's criticisms of classical theorists not fully accounting for the systemic and institutional nature of racism are justified. Contemporary social science concurs with the rejection of biological explanations of race, viewing racial categories as largely arbitrary and socially constructed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of which classical theorist's explanation of race is most relevant to contemporary realities is complex. In examining the evolution of race as a concept, it is evident that racial constructs have shifted significantly over time. The notion of race in the present context has moved away from ancestral and familial ties toward superficial physical characteristics. The frameworks proposed by critical race theorists, such as the social construction of race and institutional racism, appear to hold theoretical and practical relevance today. They examine how race and racism are embedded in the fabric of society, particularly within legal, political, and cultural contexts.
Howard Winant has argued that classic theories did not adequately address the complexity of race, particularly in terms of the perpetuation of racial inequality within societal institutions. His criticism emphasizes the failure of classical theories to grasp the systemic nature of racism and how it is sustained through institutional mechanisms. This critique seems justified as traditional theorists may not have fully accounted for the enduring and pernicious effects of systemic racism, which can persist even without overt individual racist intent.
Contemporary analyses of race utilize the concept of race as a social construct rather than a biological reality. This approach acknowledges that what have been historically categorized as racial differences are often arbitrary and were frequently used to justify discrimination and inequality. Such a perspective is upheld by major social science organizations, aligning with current understandings in the fields of anthropology, sociology, and psychology. As a result, contemporary theories such as those elucidated by critical race theorists provide a framework to understand the complexities of race and its implications in modern societies.